Chemical Elements History and Information Zirconium

About the chemical element Zirconium, its symbol, atomic number and weight, who discovered it and when.

The Atomic Elements and Their Uses

(Element) (Symbol) (Atomic number) (Atomic weight)

Zirconium Zr 40 91.22

Identified as an element by Martin Klaproth of Germany in 1789. Isolated by Jons Berzelius of Sweden in 1842. Zirconium oxide absorbs organic molecules and therefore is used in deodorants. It also makes an ideal treatment for poison oak or ivy, for it absorbs the irritating oils. Powdered zirconium is highly explosive and is used in flashbulbs, explosives primers, fireworks, flares, and ammo tracers.